The Trees was the first song by Rush that became my favorite that I hadn't already heard on the radio before.

I memorized, and worked on interpretations constantly.

I liked Farewell immediately, but it never contended for the top spot.

So it's interesting, so many years removed, that I find myself voting for Farewell.

I need to go listen to both and see if I really think what I think I think, because my vote surprises me.

I'll edit this in a few minutes with an update, because I know everyone will be waiting desperately for my final conclusion.

edit:

Okay, should have just known myself like I knew I did, because on relisten The Trees is still my favorite. I think it's that emotional connection that remains strong even after all these years. Something Farewell can never have. Trees holds too much meaning for me I guess.

Love both .. But it's the middle section of The Trees that's the deciding factor - it's perfect, while that guitar break in A Farewell seems like it was just tossed in ..

That was my take when I just relistened. The Trees felt like a carefully constructed composition where every element fits as intended, and Farewell seems like different compositions pushed together. Both quite good, but not necessarily connected.

I do love The Trees...but if I had to pick a least favorite song on Hemispheres, it is that one (again, not to say I don't like it; not at all. Look at the other songs on that record with which it shares company!).

A Farewell to Kings is often the album that I go to when I haven't been listening to Rush for some length of time (as sometimes I do go a month, or even two)...and the title track being the first one, it's like an ice-breaker when I'm starting on a Rush binge, after some time away. Just absolutely killer- I love it, love it, love it.